Lipoprotein (a), an independent cardiovascular risk marker

Ramesh Saeedi; Jiri Frohlich

doi:10.1186/s40842-016-0024-x

Lipoprotein (a), an independent cardiovascular risk marker

Clin Diabetes Endocrinol. 2016 Mar 31:2:7. doi: 10.1186/s40842-016-0024-x. eCollection 2016.

Authors

Ramesh Saeedi^{1

2}, Jiri Frohlich^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Healthy Heart Program, St. Paul's Hospital, Rm 180-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, B.C V6Z 1Y6 Canada.
² Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Department, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, Rm 180-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, B.C V6Z 1Y6 Canada.

Abstract

Epidemiological and genetic studies have identified elevated levels of lipoprotein (a) ((Lp(a)) as a causal and independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The Lp(a)-induced increased risk of CVD may be mediated by both its proatherogenic and prothrombotic mechanisms. Several guidelines recommend screening of Lp(a) level; however, there are few treatment options for the management of patients with elevated Lp(a). Several new medications for Lp(a) are under development. PCSK9 inhibitors, apolipoprotein (a)-antisense, and apolipoprotein(B-100)-antisense mipomersen have shown promising results. Lp(a) reduction will continue to be an active area of investigation.

Keywords: Coronary artery disease (CAD); Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]; Niacin; Statins.

Publication types

Review